The Steel Guitar Forum

I had never been to the Southern Illinois steel show until this past weekend. Now, I have played many, many shows over the years but Mount Vernon has the very best organization I've ever seen at a local or regional level. The facilities were great, the board of directors were on top of every aspect of the show, the band was top-notch, the sound crew was always attentive, and the talent roster was loaded with veteran players and even 13 year-old newbie that kicked butt.

The show staff, the hotel staff, and the crowd were all extremely hospitable and made every one feel welcomed and appreciated. (Southern hospitality in the Midwest.....who would've thunk?)

The cherry on top is the "purpose" of this show. The Shriners Hospital received over $7000 as a result of proceeds and donations from the crowd and the show's sponsors.

I was very honored to be a part of this show and hope they will have me back in the future. Do yourself a favor and put it on your calendar for next year when it's date is announced.

Thank you Southern Illinois Productions for a great show and a great time!

Tommy, just wanted to tell you that I think your shirts have magical powers. Made me feel 10 foot tall and bullet proof. GREAT playing my friend, a pleasure to meet and hear you. H

Tommy Dodd, Pat Heller, Mike McGee, Steve Paloucek, Billy Robertson, Zane King, Bucky Reid, Leona Williams, Mandy Barnett, Ron Williams, And so many more players and steel guitar fans, Vendors and Sponcers made all of this possible and a pleasure.

Thank You All
Southern Illinois Productions

Tommy, I was blown away by your medley. Now I admit I am a HUGE fan of the Turtles, but "Happy Together" is a great song on steel. To borrow a phrase from my good friend Lee Ogle, I LOVED your choice of notes!

Really enjoyed your music and getting to meet you at the SIP show. I love traditional country music, but listening to you play "I Can See Clearly Now" and "Feelings" brought back memories of my teenage years in the 70's. Also loved the medley you did with "Happy Together" and "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down". You also did a great job with Mandy Barnett. Hope to see you next year!

Tommy does a masterful job doing any type of music on the steel. He worked well with Mandy Barnett also.

A highlight of the Mt. Vernon show.

Gary

Tommy Dodd wrote:I had never been to the Southern Illinois steel show until this past weekend. Now, I have played many, many shows over the years but Mount Vernon has the very best organization I've ever seen at a local or regional level. The facilities were great, the board of directors were on top of every aspect of the show, the band was top-notch, the sound crew was always attentive, and the talent roster was loaded with veteran players and even 13 year-old newbie that kicked butt.

The show staff, the hotel staff, and the crowd were all extremely hospitable and made every one feel welcomed and appreciated. (Southern hospitality in the Midwest.....who would've thunk?)

The cherry on top is the "purpose" of this show. The Shriners Hospital received over $7000 as a result of proceeds and donations from the crowd and the show's sponsors.

I was very honored to be a part of this show and hope they will have me back in the future. Do yourself a favor and put it on your calendar for next year when it's date is announced.

Thank you Southern Illinois Productions for a great show and a great time!

I don't know who the 13 year old newbie was, but for Tommy Dodd to say he kicked butt.... CONGRATS!!!

13 year old Tobin Hess and It is my understanding he plays Mandolin, Banjo, and Guitar also from central Illinois

Just wanted to say thanks for all the kind words above about my sets on the show. I had a ball and look forward to doing it again real soon. Hopefully!

I hope to see you again and soon. Enjoyed sharing time with you at the show, hearing you play and getting new ideas from your music. I may have to make a trip to Atlanta one of these days.

Tommy, I enjoyed your set, especially "I can see clearly now. I had never heard it on a steel. I came home and started playing it. I'm so glad I got to meet you, and I love the shirt!